David Koval, Chief Operating Officer / General Counsel, Kitchell Corporation

As both Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, David Koval balances two vantage points: strategist and steward. For more than two decades, he has guided Kitchell with clarity and conviction, ensuring every decision drives the business forward while reflecting the values that define the company.

David first joined Kitchell as outside counsel, quickly standing out for his ability to pair legal insight with practical solutions. Recognizing his impact, Kitchell brought him in-house with Kitchell Contractors, and over time his reach expanded across the corporation. Today, he works alongside leaders of every operating company, shaping business and legal decisions that touch every corner of the organization.

A defining moment came early in his tenure during a leadership discussion about a struggling project. The outcome was guided not by convenience, but by a deliberate debate about Kitchell’s values. “It was eye-opening,” David recalls. “That was the moment I knew Kitchell wasn’t your typical corporation.”

That experience continues to shape his philosophy. He often reflects on advice that still guides him: “Your culture is defined by the worst conduct you’re willing to tolerate.” For David, leadership means leaning into transparency, facing challenges head-on, and ensuring integrity is never optional.

Looking ahead, he envisions Kitchell recognized for more than its projects: “performing high-quality work with integrity and making a difference in our communities.” His influence is clear—protecting the company’s culture, strengthening its reputation, and advancing progress that will keep Kitchell strong for the next 75 years and beyond.